Our Policies

Purpose

RAWI is committed to maintaining a respectful, safe, and accountable environment for all members of our community, including volunteers, board members, artists, collaborators, and participants. This policy outlines how concerns about misconduct can be raised and addressed.

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals acting in relation to the organization and to conduct occurring during organization-related activities, communications, or spaces—whether in person or online.

What Counts as Misconduct

Misconduct includes harassment, discrimination, bullying, sexual misconduct, abuse of power, retaliation, financial or ethical misconduct, and violations of organizational policies or values. Misconduct may be a single serious incident or a pattern over time.

How to Report

Concerns may be reported verbally or in writing to:

• Any board member you trust

• The Board President or Executive Director

• Another officer or the full board if leadership is involved

Anonymous reports are accepted, though they may limit the organization’s ability to respond.

Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation

Reports will be handled with care and discretion and shared only as necessary. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith or participates in a review is strictly prohibited.

Review and Response

The board will acknowledge reports promptly and determine an appropriate response, which may include a small review group or external support. Interim steps may be taken to ensure safety.

Possible Outcomes

Outcomes may range from conversation or mediation to removal from a role, termination of involvement, or referral to external authorities when legally required.

Ongoing Commitment

This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated as the organization evolves.

January 2026

RAWI is committed to ethical stewardship, transparency, and mission-aligned actions. This policy guides board members in the acceptance of gifts or benefits in connection with their service to the organization.

Guiding Principle

Board members serve RAWI in a fiduciary capacity and must avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Gifts may not be accepted if they could reasonably be seen as influencing judgment or decision-making on behalf of RAWI.

Prohibited Gifts

Board members may not accept:

• Cash, cash equivalents, or personal payments
  
  

• Gifts offered in exchange for preferential treatment, access, or decisions
  
  

• Gifts from vendors, contractors, or others seeking to do business with RAWI, where acceptance could create a conflict of interest or the appearance of one
  
  

Permissible Gifts

Board members may accept:

• Nominal, unsolicited tokens of appreciation (such as books or modest hospitality) that are customary and clearly not intended to influence decisions
  
  

• Items of minimal value received in public or professional settings (such as conference materials)
  
  

• Gifts intended for RAWI as an organization, rather than for an individual
  
  

All gifts to RAWI must align with the organization’s mission, values, and programming. By majority vote, the Board retains the authority to decline any gift that does not meet these standards or that could compromise RAWI’s integrity or independence.

Disclosure and Recusal

Any gift that could reasonably raise questions of influence or conflict must be disclosed to the Executive Director or President. When appropriate, the board member may be asked to recuse themselves from related discussions or decisions.

Declining or Redirecting Gifts

Board members are encouraged to decline gifts gracefully when acceptance could create discomfort or misunderstanding, and may suggest that a gift be made as a donation to RAWI instead.

January 2026

RAWI seeks financial support in ways that advance and protect the organization’s mission, values, and community relationships. We aim to work with donors, partners, and institutions whose practices and public commitments are broadly aligned with these principles.

When considering fundraising opportunities or financial support, RAWI may assess the source of funds, the nature of the relationship, and any conditions attached to the support. Our goal is not ideological purity, but thoughtful, ethical engagement that sustains the organization without compromising its integrity or independence.

In cases where alignment is uncertain or concerns are raised, one or more board members—ideally including the Executive Director and Board President—will meet with institutional representatives to seek clarity, ask questions, and discuss potential concerns. If uncertainty remains after these conversations, the decision to accept or decline the support will rest with a majority vote of the Board.

This policy is intended to provide guidance while allowing flexibility, care, and collective judgment in a changing fundraising landscape.

January 2026